We may have to haul some kayaks this weekend (long story about an ice jam) in our 2013 RX 350. Is there a way to partially close the tailgate so we don't have to drive for miles with it wide open?

 

Yes you can. I have used bungee cords to partially hold it down when hauling lumber, and even a treadmill in the vehicle. Off the top of my head I can't remember where I hooked onto.

 

Not recommended.

You can get exhaust fumes back inside the cabin .. silent killer.

Structural strength is drastically reduced.

For short trips it might be ok, but not for miles and miles.

Salim

 

while on this subject, is it possible to lift it up manually, without using the auto feature? I find that when its parked in the garage, the rear hatch opens up so high it nearly hits the garage door, but if i can manually open it just enough to throw something in the back i'd prefer that way much better.

 

Yes, I open mine manually most of the time because I am inpatient or do not have my key as it is in my garage. Auto feature still operates perfectly.

 

 

I see no problem in opening the hatch manually.

Salim

 

I did once haul a 15 foot kayak inside the RX with the hatch held partly closed with a bungie cord. I set the passenger front seat back as far down as possible covered it with a blanket and put the kayak inside. Tied it to something to keep it from moving. I only hauled it about 4 miles on local roads.

 

Followup: Worked fine. I used some bungees on the hatch anchor points. Finding a spot on the actual hatch was a bit of a challenge. I ended up hooking the bungees to the hatch liner, by pulling it out a bit from the hatch. Not ideal, but when in Rome..... Worked fine and no issues. Aside from the really annoying beep we had to listen to all the way home. Thankfully, it was just a few miles.

 

How do you do this?

 

To open manually:
Feel the release latch above the license plate. Give it a squeeze to release the latch and lift up the tail gate.

If you have the key on you, all door locks will unlock [your settings may be different]

The hatch close can be done manually too.


Salim
ps: Open the hatch as you currently do and you can visually see release next to the rear view camera.